About this Unit
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165), known as the "White Knights," was activated on July 1, 1965, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California. The squadron quickly deployed to Vietnam, providing critical assault support, resupply, and medevac missions during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, HMM-165 participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions and combat deployments in the Middle East. The squadron was later re-designated as VMM-165, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey, and continues to serve as a vital component of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Historical Facts
•
Origin and Activation: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165) was activated on July 1, 1965, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, as part of the rapid expansion of Marine aviation during the Vietnam War.
•
Nickname – The "White Knights": The squadron is famously known as the "White Knights," a name that reflects their commitment to honor, courage, and service.
•
First Combat Deployment: HMM-165 first deployed to Vietnam in January 1966 and played a crucial role in troop insertions, medevac, and resupply missions throughout the conflict.
•
CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters: The squadron's primary aircraft for much of its history was the Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight, a tandem-rotor medium-lift helicopter.
•
Distinguished Service in Vietnam: HMM-165 participated in significant operations such as Operation Hastings, Operation Prairie, and Operation Dewey Canyon, earning numerous unit citations for bravery and effectiveness.
•
Evacuation of Saigon: In April 1975, HMM-165 played a key role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon—the largest helicopter evacuation in history.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in several humanitarian operations, including disaster relief in the Philippines (typhoons) and support operations in Bangladesh and Indonesia.
•
Gulf War and Beyond: HMM-165 was deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing combat and logistical support to coalition forces.
•
Global War on Terror: The squadron supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting troop transport, casualty evacuation, and supply missions under difficult combat conditions.
•
Transition to MV-22 Osprey: In 2011, HMM-165 was re-designated as VMM-165 upon transition to the Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing its legacy of rapid response and versatility as an air assault unit.
